If you are looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe then you will definitely want to bookmark this one. This casserole is full of cheese and flavor. I love making casserole dishes because most weeknights we have sports practice, games, etc. Casserole dishes are quick and easy and always taste yummy. Plus, this is an easy way to get your littles to eat their veggies. 😉 Enjoy!

BACON BROCCOLI MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

Ingredients:

3-4 slices of bacon, cooked

5-6 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese [see below]

3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched

8 oz pasta [measured by weight]

¼ cup [1/2 stick] unsalted butter

¼ cup all purpose flour

2 cups whole milk, room temperature

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp garlic powder

⅛ tsp black pepper

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350

Next measure out all your ingredients, chop your broccoli and grate your cheeses.

Boil pasta per package instructions [times will vary a smidge by brand/shape] until al dente. Drain and set aside once done.

While the pasta cooks, start your sauce and your broccoli.

Cook broccoli via your favorite method. I’m a big fan of quickly blanching broccoli in hot water until the florets are bright green and tender.

For the sauce, melt ½ stick of butter [1/4 cup] over medium heat.

Add flour and whisk constantly while the flour cooks off into a roux, approx. 3 minutes..

Next season with ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp black pepper [add extra to taste]

Slowly pour in your milk, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated. Remove from heat. Sauce will thicken as it rests.

Add pasta and broccoli florets to a 9-inch baking dish [or larger]

Sprinkle 5-6 ounces of freshly grated cheese on top of the pasta.

Pour your cream sauce over the noodles and cheese and use a rubber spatula to fold it all together. Feel free to top with a little extra cheese if you’d like, then top with bacon.